Taiwan wins silver and bronze in taekwondo at World University Games

台灣在世界大學運動會中獲得銀牌和銅牌

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two Taiwan taekwondo athletes medaled in competition at the Rhine-Ruhr World University Games on Monday.

Chin I-chun (金怡君) won a silver medal in women's competition, and Chiu Yi-jui (邱義睿) won a bronze medal in the men's competition in their respective weight classes. Taiwan now has six medals overall in the taekwondo competition, per CNA.

In the semifinals, Chin faced Polish competitor Dagmara Haremza in the 73kg category. Despite her opponent having a height advantage, Chin engaged in close combat, with her opponent given two penalties for losing her balance, leading Chin to win the first round 2-1.

Chin would also be assessed a penalty in the second round as she fell behind early, but used the final seconds of the second round to pull ahead, winning the round 2-1, and ultimately a 2-0 victory.

Her next opponent in the gold medal round would also have a height disadvantage, South Korea's Song Da-bin. Chin resorted to a defensive position at the outset, blocking many of her opponent's attacks.

The strategy, however, left her on the back foot, leaving her unable to score as she lost the first round 0-8 and the second round 1-4. Ultimately, Chin's performance earned a silver medal for Taiwan.

The other Taiwanese taekwondo competitor to reach the podium was Chiu Yi-jui, who won a bronze in the men's 74kg class. Of Bunun descent, Chiu received an early round due to his world ranking and did not lose a single round until the semifinal.

Chiu faced Georgian competitor, Zurab Kintsurashvili, in the crucial match, losing a close-fought initial round 9-6 and the second round 11-8. Chiu was rewarded for his efforts with a bronze medal.